Lili's Kitchen

Kichari

2017-07-08T13:10:00.000-07:00

Click below to see how to make this simple but delicious dish

Delicious simple recipe can be served with salad, yogurt or pickle.

Poor Pigeon

2017-05-13T16:54:00.001-07:00

I saw a pigeon in my garden today
A sad pigeon in grey.
Her eyes were glazed,
Her feathers ruffled.
Sat so quiet, no sound,
So still in the grass surround.

Didn't seem to care as I approached
And tossed some bread near the porch.
She didn't glance, didn't turn around,
Then buried her head in the ground.

In desperation bird rescue 1 called
Maybe shes too young, they stalled.
Shes just playing dead gone astray
Leave her alone, soon she will fly away.

But time passed and still she stayed
Eventually they came to her aid.
They took her away said her neck was swollen , infected.
Couldn't eat, too thin, long life was not expected.
Little hope, infections gone too far, say ciao.
Maybe shes in heaven now.

Face behind the Trees

2016-12-13T09:31:00.002-08:00

The full moon
Alone out in the cold dark night,
Whispers and calls
For company.
On the lonely dim lit lanes.
With the face behind the trees, hopelessly entranced
Till the morning sun pierces the dark sky.

Thoughts by the Sea

2016-11-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

Days fly, fly like birds.
Long walks along the sand.
A bliss felt only by a few.
Heed not time, shells washed on land.
Building castles on the beach
in some sheltered spot
think is out of reach.

Feel not the burning sand
that's there beneath the feet.
The waves come, tear down
castles, leave rocks then retreat.
Can castles be rebuilt in the sand,
shattered dreams, built a new
or will the sea just like the castles
Wash them away, say adieu.

Watch the sun fall into the sea
till the rosy glow turns to dark.
Shimmering sea now dark, hides
disappointment , leaves mark.
The sea breeze fills the air
breathe in, fills the lungs
Gives hope though still
questions remain on tongues..

.

Weeping clouds

2015-11-20T04:28:00.000-08:00

The smiling sun disappears as
clouds sail across the sky
completely covering the blue.
Lightening laughs,
thunder roars, greyness
then it pours.

Like the onlookers heart
once joyful now
filled with sorrow.
The eyes once bright now rain clouds.
Flashes that turn to darkness
and then the uncontrollable
weeping non stop.

Pin Pricks of Light

2015-08-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes our lives are filled with a sadness
With a too painful to bear darkness.
It is then we should look for that tiny pin prick of light
And when we have found one we should look for another little bright
And then another and another, continuing in this way.
Eventually these pin pricks of light will join up and grey.
Finally forming a big light which will surely banish the gloom
And make life once more va-va-voom.

The Charming Poppy

2015-05-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

At first your bud head hangs low
But blooming upright your red does glow.
Buds like tears that surround you,
Burst (when one flower fades) fresh and new.

Fragile, red, dainty and small
If one doesn't look one may not see you at all.
You live by the roadside, by the wayside
May step on you as you don't choose to hide.

Some may dig you up and throw you away
Think you a weed with no right to stay.
Or they may transplant you in a soil too rich
And then wonder why you grow pale and sick.

Not for you is the riches of the cultivated land
Prefer your freedom in the poor common sand.
Just let you have your way in a land of grass
And then watch you multiply en masse.

You'll give a show to delight the eyes
A sea of red poppies 'neath blue skies .
Often seen sprinkling cornfields, one discovers,

A romantic walk for hand in hand lovers.

Your cultivated sisters they may look bold
But for generations have done as they're told.
With petals that are single, semi-double or double
They are bound to give plenty of trouble.

They may be taller and stronger then you
But need more attention as haven't a clue.
For they are domesticated while you are free.
For you the living is always easy.

You stand fast in the wind and the rain
And if one dies another will come again.
The lonely, wild poppy always on call
You are truly the most wonderful of all.

Let me

2015-03-19T11:56:00.002-07:00

When you are tired and feeling down
Let me be the one who brings you round.
When the worries of the day are on your mind
Let me be the one who helps you unwind.

Just lay you head upon my knee
And let me your soother be.
Let the stress just fall apart
And let me lock it in my heart.

Even if your skies are turning grey
Let me find the blue if I may.
Let me keep the clouds at bay so
You can enjoy that golden glow.

And should you find yourself in pain
Let it pour on me like the rain.
So that you can then truly heal
And happiness is all you feel.

Someone's Shoe

2015-02-23T17:45:00.002-08:00

You may have a different point of view
But have you tried to wear someone else s shoe.
We say we're not judgemental
But are we not being detrimental.
Many times in anger we look with disgust
Just because we don't agree should they lose our trust.
Make your heart bigger
Don't let suspicions linger.
To belittle someone is not hard to do
We are all humans with points of view
Friends may even side with you
But does that mean what you think is true.
Just try to step into someone else's shoe.
Next time someone disagrees with you.

Jewels of Life

2015-02-21T16:32:00.000-08:00

We all have precious moments in life
Save them in a special place in your heart
Because they may never return.
Cherish them forever
For they are the jewels of life.

A Kind of Walk

2015-02-14T14:55:00.000-08:00

The wind plays gently with the hair
The sun smiles and beckons there
But does not see does not care
Is totally absorbed and unaware.

The leaves fall from the trees around
And form a blanket on the ground
As if to soften every step, protect, (no sound )
From the common, harsh surround.

A ladybird lands on an arm
As if it finds homely calm.
Here it feels safe from harm
A sheltered place soft and warm.

The cries of children, the songs of bird
Are all unnoticed, all unheard
They seem so distant, so blurred
So carries on undeterred.

Beware , the Red Rose

2014-10-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

He plucked her from her rosy bower,

She felt loved, she felt proud.

Placed in pride of place, timid flower.
Placed upon a pedestal,

No princess could have felt so blessed
Till one day a camellia took her place.

Her rosebud heart was sad, depressed

Her sweetness turned to bitterness.
When he reached out to take her

The thorns she pressed into his heart.

The drops of blood like rubies were,
Flowed fast and free and
Glistened in the morning sun

And one by one the petals fell

Till all was dead and done.

Is Life like a Red Rose?

2014-10-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

Is life truly like a red rose.
Does our head spin in the first place
Intoxicated by exotic perfume, it throws.
Does its rosy glow warm up our face
Does it bring joy to our eyes.
Is it lovely to hold
We are so clever we should realise.

Or do its sharp thorns prick,
Cling and hold us back
In every step with every trick.
Is there always something alack
That keeps us from that golden trail,
Keeps us reaching for that fool's gold.
Are we so clever,think, we never fail.

Or are we just good at faking (smile) it.
Isn't it we just care too much
So end up bleeding than just quit
But because the rose is red as such,
It hides our endeavours, never shows
And we never tell, no we never told
Because we are so clever we don't disclose.

Forever at Peace

2014-10-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

When I am weary at long last,
Lay me not on some bank, grassed
Or where the trickling of water is near
There should be no birdsong, to hear.
Away from the sweet perfume of flowers
And the the comfort of those bowers.
Let there only be natures tears
Or the wind rustling, hears.
Instead leave me to rest alone,
In some unlovely place unknown.
So that I may forever be at peace
And from the world at last release.

Star of the Sea

2014-09-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

Oh star of the sea
Where are you from, I sigh
Did you fall here
From way upon high.

Stingray

2014-09-21T15:42:00.000-07:00

Stingray stingray

Sea Gems

2014-09-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

Glittering gems of the sea,
So many colours swimming free.

Dory

2014-09-21T06:41:00.002-07:00

Dory, Dory haven't a clue
Looking for Nemo aren't you?

Finding Nemo

2014-09-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

Don't heed the sweet calls and whispers,
Linger not just win the race.

Ignore those beckoning fingers

Lest they be your final resting place.

Numbness

2014-09-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

Lost soul where are you amongst the clutter of dirty dishes,
The fragrance of the flowers no longer brightens your day.
You dream of happier times but they fly from your grasp
The silent shadows in your mind just don't go away.

The sun shines in your eyes, you blink without knowing,
You smile without feeling, seeing just the greyness of the day
As you stare blankly ahead your mind is in a dream
You answer without thinking, then forget what you say.

Swan Lake

2014-09-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

Beautiful swan of the lake
proud head held high.
Glides through the water with perfect grace
with hardly a ruffled feather, nor ripple.

Southampton Common

2014-09-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

Southampton is a handsome city.and it is also a very green city surrounded by many parks and green spaces. I am fortunate enough to live near one of these green places

A few days ago I met a friend of mine for coffee after chatting for a while and catching up on what had been happening in our lives: I asked her if she would accompany me to the common. She agreed so we set off for a brisk walk towards the common.

Now this was not the first time I had been to the common. I had attempted to go there once before on my own. I entered it from one of its several entrances. As I was walking through I started to feel uneasy as the path I was walking on had tall trees and bushes on either side.I seemed to be on my own and felt very lonely. After just a few minutes I decided to turn around and exit the common.

Walking with my friend to the common was a different experience altogether. First of all we entered the common from a different entrance . It didn't seem as daunting an there were other people about walking or riding bikes. After we had passed the blackberry bushes full of unripe berries we reached a concrete wall covered with graffiti. I shouldn't call it just graffiti though it was definitely art someone had taken a lot of time and trouble to cover the bland concrete with works of art.

After this I was amazed at the view there was so much open space so much greenery, a lovely forest We walked towards this man made lake and there we saw a family of swans just swimming about and enjoying themselves just like any family on an outing. I was able to get quite close to them without them being afraid

We then moved on to a natural lake. It again had swans and their off springs as well as other birds. There was also a cute little boy and his father feeding the birds with bread .

We also walked past an ancient cemetery and also a well that had been dug down over 1000 ft and then capped over.

All in all it was a very refreshing walk and I hope to take a walk through the this beautiful landscape on a regular basis.

Sunflower Tragedy

2014-08-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

She tilts her head towards the sun,
Always ready for frolic and fun.
Basking in the sunlight each day, till night,
Hardly sleeping always waiting for the morning light.
Her head would follow, no matter how strong the heat
Basking in the warmth from her head to her feet.
A halo of yellow petals on her upturned face,
Moved towards that brightness with extraordinary grace.

Then one day awaking from the night,
She turned with eagerness to the daylight.
But just saw the greyness of the day,
Her heart was sad and yet she did stay.
Each day she waited but all in vain,
That golden light never came again.
So she withered away and turned to dust
Weary of time, lost her life and lost her trust.

At last the golden glory came hither,
Only to see the barren stalk with flower, wither.
So beamed down strongest, brightest light,
And willed the sunflower to stand upright
But even the golden splendour could not rake
And make her rise and once more wake.

One that has truly loved never forgets
And one that can't remember lives with regrets.

On The Wings Of A Butterfly

2014-08-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

By chance, my gaze caught you in all your beauty on that flower,
My heart then reached out and whispered a message for my lover.
Alight upon his face, it said, as if he were a special flower,
Gently massage his troubled brow if you see him with a frown
Sip the sweet tears from his eyes to drop them on my own.
When no one is around, alight upon his single ear
And softly convey the message that only he can hear.
Brush gossamer wings against his face, do not leave until he smiles
And then finally take flight with a parting kiss,
Planted firmly on his full and smiling lips.

The Roses

2014-06-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

The white rose and the red rose
Grow side by side, never quite touching,
There is a green gulf between them.
Their heads nod.in acknowledgement,

The red rose murmurs passion
The white rose murmurs love.
If sometimes by mistake they touch
They are cut away by cruel secateurs
gleaming and silver in the harsh sunlight.
In sympathy, the gentle morning sheds natures tears,
Glistening dewdrops on waiting petals
Drying through the course of the day
As they continue to grow side by side,
Their perfumes mingling in the wind

The white rose is soft and delicate,
The red rose is strong and bold.
Each compliments the other beautifully.
When their stems finally shall entwine
Two hearts will be as one
And the white rose will forever,
Have a flush on its petal tips.